Reich #1

Reich is a biographical account of psychoanalyst and sex researcher Dr. Wilhelm Reich, a protégé of Freud. He courted scandal throughout Europe where he became known mostly for his controversial and radical ideas. Reich claimed to discover a palpable sexual energy, which he called “Orgone.” The political climate of WWII was not encouraging for a leftist, sexually progressive, Jewish activist with heterodox scientific theories. Reich was forced to move to America in 1939.

In America Reich founded Orgonon, a commune/laboratory located in Rangely Maine. There he continued his research into Orgone energy. Reich Claimed the energy was a panacea and was determined to prove it to the world. Later Reich began to exhibit signs of paranoia but as the saying goes “just because I’m paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not out to get me.”

Reich was abruptly persecuted by the United States government.

Reich tells the story of a man who lived with unwavering conviction in his beliefs and it shows the potential danger of that conviction.